Natasha Blackwood has a quiet voice. There are plenty of ‘brassy’ voices among the best known women vocalists; Adele, Miley and Florence for starters but Natasha’s voice is playful, coy and sassy, more aligned with Valerie June, Jill Barber or Eddi Reader (Fairground Attraction). And to describe her voice as ‘quiet’ is not to say it’s meek, far from it. Natasha’s voice is strong, confident and expressive.
Having honed her craft with Jazz East Big Band and the wonderful Eastern Owl as well as contributing to over ten studio albums, the singer/songwriter/tenor sax/pianist branched off solo in 2020, her debut album plans rudely interrupted by the Global Pandemic. That album, “Ease Back” earned her nominations for two MUSICNL. Awards and an ECMA. Now she’s back with “Love Songs For Good Machines”, a tasty collage of jazz, folk, contemporary pop songs. And this album is so much fun, several numbers reminiscent of 1940’s/early 1950’s Hit Parade nuggets.
The album opens with a fresh, boppin’ track, “Who Is It For”, her quiet voice instantly compelling and at ease while “Home To Me” is joyous, bringing a smile to ones face with its pared down rhythm, catchy saxophone part and buoyant backing vocals, accentuating the shimmy in the shake. “Pleading Guilty” is a perfect choice for an introductory single while “The Doctor” delivers a vintage Booker T And the MG’s groove. The title track features a lovely guitar solo from Duane Andrews and a beautifully balanced melody with a sweet bridge. “Melita”, a finger-snapping tune with Latino flavour and “Happy Anniversary” keep the cool vibe moving along nicely. “Like Me Now” is the album’s softest number and sure to remind you of a vintage pop ballad that you can’t quite put your finger on but has you feeling wistful. “How Long” will put some ‘pep in your step’ and have you singing along. The album closes with Natasha’s epic lyrical track, “Women’s Lullaby”, a contemplation on what it means to be a woman, a mom and good human being each and every day(and night) with a little help from Kellie Walsh and Lady Cove Women’s Choir as well as a truly complimentary guitar part from Duane Andrews.
“Love Songs For Good Machines” is a colorful, bright album from beginning to end. Natasha Blackwood proves herself a smart lyricist, her stories, anecdotes and ponderings on family emanating much joy. A recurring theme revolves around the idea that where you are may be the best place you can be and not be manipulated by the many yearnings that might just be messin’ with your center of gravity. In other words, relax, accept and enjoy life’s moments. What category do you file this record under? Duke Ellington once said, “There are only two kinds of music. Good music and bad music. Natasha Blackwood’s is good music. Produced by JUNO winning artist, Amelia Curran. Graphics by award winning graphic-designer, Jud Haynes.
Natasha Blackwood – Vocals, Tenor Saxophone
Nicole Hand – Baritone Sax, Backup Vocals
Lauren Strong – Trumpet, Backup Vocals
Ryan Kennedy – Piano, Backup Vocals
Duane Andrews – Acoustic Guitar
Humberto Piccoli – Electric Guitar
Paddy Byrne – Upright Bass
Jeff Foran – Drums
